It has been ten years since Lionel Messi missed a La Liga opening match with FC Barcelona. His presence was definitely missed during the team's 1-0 loss against Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames stadium.

The first goal of the 2019/20 La Liga season is an absolute beauty. 38-year-old Aritz Aduriz of Bilbao came off the bench and produced a brilliant scissor kick in the 88th minute of the match. After having been on the pitch for just six minutes, Aduriz was already on fire. In what is believed to be his final season, he has cemented his position as a club legend.

You’re 38. You’re in your last ever season. You’ve only got two minutes. And you’re up against Barça.

And?

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) August 16, 2019

The late goal sealed Barcelona's fate and the reigning champions are not off to a positive start. It had been common knowledge that the Argentine star has been recovering from a calf injury. In an interview before the match, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde stated that he does not want to take any risks when it comes to Messi's recovery.

Unfortunately for the champions, the rest of the squad didn't step up and they had to register a loss for their opening game. New signing Antoine Griezmann failed to impress and Luis Suarez was taken off the pitch late in the first half with what also appears to be a calf injury.

The season has only just begun and Valverde is already being left with fewer options than any coach would like. Apart from the injuries that have plagued his roster, The Guardian reports that Bayern Munich has agreed to a year-long deal for Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian's departure also throws a cloud over the possibility of securing the return of Neymar Jr. It is believed that Coutinho was one of the players that had been put forward as part of a cash plush player exchange deal between Barcelona and Paris Saint-German.

Lionel Messi
Messi's will take his stay at Barcelona into a 17th year if he stays until 2021. Getty Images
Lionel Messi Barcelona FC